Effect of intended intraoperative cholangiography and early detection of bile duct injury on survival after cholecystectomy: population based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the routine use of intraoperative cholangiography can improve survival from complications related to bile duct injuries.

DESIGN

Population based cohort study.

SETTING

Prospectively collected data from the Swedish national registry of gallstone surgery and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, GallRiks. Multivariate analysis done by Cox regression.

POPULATION

All cholecystectomies recorded in GallRiks between 1 May 2005 and 31 December 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evidence of bile duct injury, rate of intended use of intraoperative cholangiography, and rate of survival after cholecytectomy.

RESULTS

During the study, 51,041 cholecystectomies were registered in GallRiks and 747 (1.5%) iatrogenic bile duct injuries identified. Patients with bile duct injuries had an impaired survival compared with those without injury (mortality at one year 3.9% v 1.1%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that early detection of a bile duct injury, during the primary operation, improved survival. The intention to use intraoperative cholangiography reduced the risk of death after cholecystectomy by 62% (hazard ratio 0.38 (95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.46)).

CONCLUSIONS

The high incidence of bile duct injury recorded is probably from GallRiks' ability to detect the entire range of injury severities, from minor ductal lesions to complete transections of major ducts. Patients with bile duct injury during cholecystectomy had impaired survival, and early detection of the injury improved survival. The intention to perform an intraoperative cholangiography reduced the risk of death after cholecystectomy.

[Evaluation of graft perfusion in patients with ischemic-type of biliary lesions after liver transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of 320-rows CT perfusion (CTP) imaging in the study of hepatic hemodynamic characters in ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) after liver transplantation.

METHODS

A total of 11 ITBL patients received 320-slice CT angiography (CTA) and CTP after liver transplantation scheduled at 5-10 min away. Four patients underwent liver biopsy While 7 patients with normal liver after transplantation were selected as the control group. The parameters of hepatic artery perfusion (HAP), portal vein perfusion (PVP), total hepatic perfusion (TLP) and hepatic arterial perfusion index (HPI) were measured and compared for all patients. And the blood perfusion characters of liver with ITBL after transplantation were analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) In 11 ITBL patients, 3 patients had no vascular complications on CTA, 1 with simple hepatic artery stenosis (HAS), 1 with HAS and arterioportal shunt (APS), 2 with HAS and portal vein stenosis/right hepatic vein stenosis (PVS/RHVS), 1 with simple APS, 2 with simple PVS and 1 with portal vein thrombosis and cavernous transformation of portal vein (PVT and CTPV). And 4/11 patients underwent liver biopsy, 2 in which confirmed mild acute rejection and 2 confirmed biliary obstruction associated with ascending biliary infection.(2) HAP of the ITBL and control groups were (66 ± 38) and (40 ± 8) ml×min(-1)·(100 ml)(-1), PVP (128 ± 35) and (163 ± 21) ml×min(-1)·(100 ml)(-1), TLP (194 ± 58) and (203 ± 19) ml×min(-1)·(100 ml)(-1), HPI 34% ± 14% and 21% ± 4% respectively. The differences in the value of HAP, PVP and HPI between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05) excluding TLP.

CONCLUSION

Various liver perfusion abnormalities of ITBL may be evaluated objectively by CTP. ITBL might occurred when HAP and HPI increased with a decreased of PVP.

Hemostasis using a fully covered self-expandable metal stent for marked bleeding from the bile duct following stent removal (with videos)

We describe a case of life-threatening hemorrhage from the bile duct following stent removal. Eventually, hemostasis was achieved by tamponade using a fully covered self-expandable metal stent.

Portal biliopathy

Portal biliopathy (PB) is a rare disorder, which mostly presents as sub-clinically. It occurs most commonly due to idiopathic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. We present three cases having features of portal biliopathy secondary to portal hypertension. Our first case did not have a prior history of chronic liver disease while next two patients had previous history of chronic liver disease resulting in portal hypertension. Cavernous transformation of the portal vein due to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction is not infrequent but biliary obstruction in association with this disorder is distinctly uncommon. Proper case management is very important as prolonged biliary duct obstruction can lead to the development of ascending cholangitis or later on secondary biliary cirrhosis.

Treatment of major laparoscopic bile duct injury: a long-term follow-up result

The goal of this study is to present the multiple institutions experience comparing the outcome of management between initial laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) surgeon and specialist as well as the outcome of different operative procedures to major bile duct injury (BDI) after LC. We have retrospectively collected data of 77 cases of perioperatively detected major BDI in LC at 15 general surgical institutions from 1997 to 2007. We classified 42 cases treated by an experienced biliary surgeon as Group A and 35 cases treated by the initial LC surgeon as Group B. Forty-eight cases were treated with duct-to-duct anastomosis as Group C and 29 cases were treated with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy as Group D. The median duration of follow-up was 62 months. The outcome of groups was compared. In Group A, 7 of 42 (16.7%) patients developed a failure. Two of seven (28.6%) patients were treated by a secondary operation. In Group B, 24 of 35 (68.6%) patients developed a failure. Seventeen of 24 (70.8%) patients were treated by a secondary operation. One of 35 (2.85%) patients died. The significant differences were observed in failure and secondary operations (16.7 vs 68.6%, P < 0.01 and 28.6 vs 70.8%, P < 0.01). There is no significant difference Group C and Group D in failure rate (28.5 vs 11.7%, P > 0.05). A multiple institutional cooperative methodology between the local surgical institution and tertiary care centers provided a good way to limit further operations, failure. The reconstructive strategy is important and should be selected according to the type of injury and the diagnosed status of major BDI.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a case report

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) related vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare condition that often leads to liver failure and death. A 64-year-old man with history of rheumatic heart disease complicated by steno-aortic insufficiency, mild mitral stenosis, atrial fibrillation, left kidney damage, bilateral glaucoma, left internal jugular vein thrombosis, bronchopneumonia, NHL type B (stage IV) treated with chemo and radiotherapy was admitted to our department for jaundice with predominantly cholestatic component. Liver biopsy allowed a diagnosis of VBDS and patient was treated with ursodesossicolic acid (UDCA) 20 mg/kg/day associated with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day with a transient decrease of bilirubin and cholestasis, but a rapid worsening of general clinical conditions followed by severe acute liver failure (ALF), unresponsive to pharmacological therapy, leads to death our patient. In our case we supposed that this syndrome represents the paraneoplastic epiphenomenon of NHL with severe duct damage, related to lymphomatous release of toxic cytokines. In our clinical practice we must not forget that VBDS can be related to hepatic damage also induced during NHL. A special attention to abnormal liver function is necessary to diagnose this syndrome, because often the tests are interpreted as disseminated (stage IV) disease and not as a possible expression of VBDS which could, in some cases, be attenuated by UDCA and by steroids therapy.

[Experiences of liver retransplantation for postoperative diffuse biliary strictures]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and management of retransplantation for diffuse biliary strictures occurring after initial liver transplantation.

METHODS

The clinical data of 53 consecutive liver retransplantation patients at our hospital from January 2001 to December 2009 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 20 (37.7%) were due to diffuse biliary strictures.

RESULTS

Diffuse biliary strictures appeared at 3 - 16 months after initial transplantation. The mean time was 6.3 months. The specific types included intra-hepatic diffuse biliary strictures (n = 16) and multi-strictures involving both intra- & extra-hepatic biliary ducts (n = 4). Retransplantation was performed after a failure of intervention or/and other comprehensive treatments. Among them, 14 were cured and 6 died from peri-operative complications including serious abdominal infection & MODS (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome) (n = 3, 50%), biliary fistula (n = 2, 33.3%) and hepatic artery embolism (n = 1, 16.7%). These patients were followed up for a mean time of 1.8 years (range: 1 - 5 years). The accumulative survival rates at 1, 3 and 6 months were 80.0%, 75.0% and 70.0% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver retransplantation is the ultimate treatment for diffuse biliary strictures after liver transplantation. The survival rate is associated with operative timing, surgical techniques and peri-operative management.

[Biliary pathology in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and methods for its correction with the use of health resort and spa factors]

Diagnostics and treatment of hepatobiliary pathologies are known to be the indispensable prerequisites for the successful compensation of diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study revealed disturbances of bile-producing and bile-secreting functions of the liver in all the examined patients with DM. Moreover, the biochemical composition of bile and the ratio of its major components proved to be pathologically altered. The treatment program based at the Metallurg health resort including consumption of the local mineral water resulted in the significant improvement of the hepatic secretory function and normalization of motor-tonic activity of the bile-secreting system in patients presenting with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the stage of noncalculous cholecystitis.

Surgical management of biliary complications following living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications (BC) account for much of the morbidities seen after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Surgical reconstruction might be necessary after the failure of endoscopic or percutaneous procedures.

METHODS

  Between November 2002 and December 2009, a total of 76 LDLTs were performed. Six patients were excluded from statistical analysis because of early graft or patient loss.

RESULTS

Of 70, 26 (37.1%) developed BC; 12 (46.2%) were successfully managed by non-surgical procedures, three (11.5%) died from BC-related sepsis, one (3.8%) died from BC-unrelated causes, and 10 (38.5%) underwent surgical reconstruction. Of those 10, four patients had single duct reconstruction, five patients had double ducts reconstruction, and reconstruction was abandoned in one patient because of hepatic artery thrombosis. After a median follow-up period of 4.5 yr (0.1-6), seven (70%) remained well with no recurrent biliary problems, and three (30%) had recurrent BCs that were managed either conservatively or by retransplantation. Patients who underwent surgical reconstruction had significantly fewer hospital admissions, less need for invasive procedures, and shorter cumulative hospital stay (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, BCs after LDLT were frequently resistant to non-surgical procedures. Surgical reconstruction is associated with fewer hospital admissions and less need for invasive procedures leading to reduced resources utilization.

[Application value of diffusion-weighted imaging in ischemic-type biliary lesions after liver transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the application values of DWI (diffusion-weighted imaging) and ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) on ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) after orthotopic liver transplantation.

METHODS

According to whether there was ITBL after liver transplantation or not, 46 cases of liver transplantation were selected and divided into 2 groups on the basis of PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography) or ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) examination, pathology or clinical follow-up data: ITBL group (n = 29) and no ITBL group (C group, n = 17). The ADC value was measured for right lobe of graft liver parenchyma (b value = 600 s/mm(2)). And the signal of biliary system of graft on DWI and biliary tract on MRCP were analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) The ADC values of liver graft were (1.456 ± 0.286) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s and (1.716 ± 0.391) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s in ITBL and C groups respectively. The difference in ADC value was significant between two groups (P = 0.015); (2) the incidence of increased signal of bile duct on DWI was 82.8% (24/29) and 5.9% (1/17) for ITBL and C groups respectively. The lesion was located in porta hepatis and intrahepatic small bile duct was seen in 17 of 24 patients (70.8%) in ITBL group. The difference was significant in signal of bile ducts between ITBL and C groups (P < 0.001). Twenty-one cases with sludge on DWI in ITBL group had hyperintensity, isointensity or hypointensity. There was no abnormal signal in the lumen of bile duct in C group.

CONCLUSION

The major sign of ITBL is a hyperintensity of porta hepatis and small bile ducts on DWI. And the ADC value of graft liver parenchyma decreases. These reflect the pathological changes to an extent and may be an effective and sensitive monitoring tool of early ITBL. DWI is a novel, non-invasive, simple and practical method in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ITBL after liver transplantation.

[Causes and management of ischemic-type biliary lesion after orthotopic liver transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the causes, diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBLs) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for 326 OLT patients from January 2002 to January 2009. The post-OLT etiological factors and treatment of ITBL cases were analyzed.

RESULTS

ITBL occurred in 23 patients (7.05%). It included intrahepatic biliary lesions (n=9), extrahepatic lesions (n=12) and diffuse extrahepatic and intrahepatic biliary lesions (n=2). Through a COX regression, the risk factors were independently associated with ITBL serious hepatitis as the primary disease (RR: 3.204; P=0.014) and cold donor ischemic time beyond 11.5 hours (RR: 4.895; P=0.000). All ITBL patients underwent drug therapy, endoscopy (n=10), operation (n=6) or re-OLT (n=7). And improvement was found in 17 patients.

CONCLUSION

Avoiding too long old ischemic time of donor liver and carefully evaluating the indications of recipients are effective preventive measures of ITBL. It is crucial to select a proper treatment according to the conditions of each individual patient.

[New minimally invasive methods for internal bile outflow in oncology]

A few novel minimally invasive techniques are described for catheter-free repair of internal bile outflow in patients with neoplasms in the biliopancreatoduodenal region complicated by mechanical jaundice and in cases of iatrogenic complications of surgical treatment. The methods based on a combination of modern interventional radiologic and endoscopic technologies allow to improve the outcome of antineoplastic treatment and the quality of life in certain categories of patients. The introduction of these techniques into clinical practice of specialized medical facilities may help to optimize the treatment strategy, reduce the volume of surgery whenever it can be confined to minimally invasive treatment, decrease the employment index, increase the surgical bed turnover rate and other economic characteristics of a surgical clinic.

[Endoscopic treatment of postcholecystectomy biliary strictures]

INTRODUCTION

Biliary strictures are a serious complication of biliary surgery. Historically, surgery was the treatment of choice. Then appeared the endoscopic treatment with results comparable with those achieved by the surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients underwent endoscopic treatment for postcholecystectomy benign biliary stricture between 1990 and 2006. After pneumatic dilation with ballons, stents were inserted. Stents were exchanged between 3 and 8 months and ultimately removed from all patients at 12 months.

RESULTS

Endoscopic treatment was successful in 16 cases (72%): in 14 was excellent (63%), in 2 good (10%) and in 6 bad (27%). These cases required surgery. Early complications were cholangitis in 2 cases and pancreatitis in 3; late complications developed in 3 cases, with 2 o more cholangitis episodes. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures with dilation and stent insertion was successful in 72% of the 22 cases in our series, with low morbility and no mortality.

Disorders of the neonatal liver and bile ducts

INTRODUCTION

Liver and biliary tract disorders in the neonate are relatively rare and often complex.

AIMS

To evaluate the incidence of neonatal liver and biliary tract disorders, main causes, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical, imagiological, laboratory, pathological and autopsy data concerning all newborns with liver and biliary tract disorder admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of five tertiary medical centers from the north of Portugal, between 1997 and 2006, were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

77 neonates (incidence 0.5% - 77/14505 admissions); 44M/33F; gestational age 34 weeks (25-41); preterm 50 (65%); birthweight 1980 g (570-4130), < 1500 g 29 (38%). Several causes were identified and classified as infectious, metabolic, anatomic/structural, neoplastic, vascular, traumatic, immune, genetic and idiopathic. Clinical signs appeared between days 1 and 61 of life. Jaundice was the most frequent clinical sign (92%). Cholestasis occurred in 67 (87%) patients. Duration of hospital stay was 35 days (5-146); 18 patients (23%) were deceased. Autopsy study was diagnostic in 8 cases (10%).

CONCLUSIONS

Nosocomial and intrauterine infection were the most common causes of liver and biliary tract disease. Several other rare causes represented an important challenge in diagnosis and treatment, and some were fatal. Awareness of the spectrum of liver and bile duct disorders in the neonate and recognition of the key clinical features are essential to optimize outcome.

Hepato-biliary late effects in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Curative therapy for childhood and adolescent cancer translates to 1 in 640 young adults being a survivor of cancer. Although acute hepato-biliary toxicity occurs commonly during pediatric cancer therapy, the impact of antineoplastic therapy on long-term liver health in childhood/adolescent cancer survivors is unknown. This article reviews the medical literature on late liver dysfunction following treatment for childhood/adolescent cancer. We also outline the Children's Oncology Group (COG) guidelines for screening and follow-up of hepato-biliary sequelae. As the population of survivors grow and age, vigilance for risks to hepatic health needs to continue based on specific exposures during curative cancer therapy.

[Prognostic factors in the treatment of the bile duct injuries and strictures]

To describe the prognostic factors after surgical reconstruction data. were collected prospectively on 60 patients treated at the Scientific Center of Surgery named after M.Topchubashov and N5 City Hospital with major bile duct injuries and postoperative bile duct strictures between 2000 and 2009. Of the 60 patients 21 had bile duct injuries, other 39 had postoperative strictures. In 15 of 53 patients with iatrogenic injury of bile ducts trauma was recognized and repaired intraoperatively. In 22 patients was early, in 16 patients delayed recognition of bile duct injury. Most of patients had undergone a choledocho (8) or hepaticojejunostomy (33) by Roux. External drainage of bile ducts was performed in 24 patients. Of the 60 patients undergoing surgical reconstruction, 47 hud completed treatment. Of patients who had completed treatment, 82,9% were considered to have a successful outcome (24 patients excellent, 15 patients - good results) without the need for follow-up invasive, diagnostic, or therapeutic interventional procedures. Patients with reconstruction after injury or stricture-without external drainage had a better overall outcome (92,9% successful outcome) than patients with drainage of bile ducts (68,4% successful outcome). Number of stents and length of postoperative stenting also were significant predictors of outcome. Type of operation (laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy) had nd significant influence on outcome. At the same time a successful outcome, without the need for biliary stents, was obtained in 87,5% of patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus 71,8% after open cholecystectomy.

[A program for evaluation of severity of biliary sepsis and a choice for therapeutic and diagnostic methods]

The program of actions for the assessment of severity of biliar sepsis and the choice of algorithms for relevant medical-diagnostic measures is presented. The account is taken of the traumatic factor of operation, the method of narcosis (endotracheal, local anaesthesia) and severity of the initial condition in individual patients. It is suggested to use this program in the form of computer software for the diagnosis of severity of the disease in septic patients, creation of the database and electron archives of the results of the treatment for the purpose of continuous monitoring the patients' conditions.

[Multimodality interventional treatments for biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: a preliminary study]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the technique, efficacy, and safety of multimodality interventional treatments for biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The core of multimodality interventional treatments is percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

METHODS

From January 2006 to May 2008, seventy-two patients with biliary complications afte OLT were closed in our study. On the basis of the cholangiographic appearance, patients were classified into 4 groups: anastomotic biliary strictures (n = 19), hilar biliary strictures (n = 16), multifocal/diffuse biliary strictures (n = 31), and anastomotic biliary fistulae (n = 6). All patients were treated in our hospital, including PTBD only in 6 patients, PTBD combined with balloon dilation in 50 patients, balloon dilation and plastic stent implantation in 10 patients, balloon dilation and metallic stent implantation in 6 patients. Their data were analyzed retrospectively, including serum hemobilirubin, cholangiographic appearance and complications.

RESULTS

PTBD were successful in all cases. The clinical symptoms improved or eliminated were observed in 66 cases, the effective rate was 91.7% (66/72). Among 72 patients, 26 patients were free of drainage tube, 8 patients underwent second PTBD for the obstruction of biliary stents, and 38 patients maintained drainage tube for long-term. In 66 patients with biliary obstruction, the direct bilirubin was (145 +/- 106) micromol/L before treatments and 76 micromol/L +/- 59 micromol/L one month after PTBD (t = 3.78, P < 0.001). The rate of biliary tract infection was 14.3% and 43.8% respectively with the tip of drainage tube placed in biliary duct and in duodenum. There was a significantly statistical difference between these two items (chi(2) = 4.886, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

PTBD combined with balloon dilation and biliary stent implantation is a effective therapeutic modality for biliary complications after OLT, which can improve patients' clinical symptoms, elevate patients' quality of life. The tip of drainage tube being placed in biliary duct can decrease the rate of biliary tract infection significantly.

[Extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease]

Extraintestinal manifestations are relatively common in chronic inflammatory bowel disease and affect joints, skin, eyes and bile ducts. The most frequent rheumatologic manifestations are peripheral arthritis and axial arthropathies. Erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangraenosum are common dermatological manifestations, while episcleritis, iridocyclitis and uveitis are common ophthalmological complications. Conventional drugs and biologicals have proven effective in the treatment of several of the manifestations, including peripheral arthritis, pyoderma gangraenosum and episcleritis.

[A case of diffuse hepatic arteriovenous fistulae with hepatic encephalopathy, postprandial abdominal pain and biliary injury]

A 60-year-old woman with hepatic encephalopathy was admitted to our hospital. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and hepatic arteriography revealed diffuse hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (HAVF). Overt portosystemic shunt could not be identified. Right heart catheterization showed increased cardiac output. However the patient had never shown any signs of heart failure. Other than that, marked hepatopetal arterial flow from some branches of the superior mesenteric artery was detected and mesenteric arterial flow remarkably decreased. Extensive HAVF can lead to significant complications, including high output heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, biliary ischemia, cirrhosis, postprandial abdominal pain, and reduced liver function. Embolization or ligation of the hepatic artery provides temporal improvement of clinical symptoms, but long-term results are unsatisfactory because of the development of collateral circulation and the risk of refractory intrahepatic cholangitis, subsequently leading to liver failure. Liver transplantation offers another therapeutic option and can be a successful curative treatment.

Biliary dilatation secondary to lithiasis in a child affected by Langerhans' cell histiocytosis

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease of unknown pathogenesis, caused by clonal proliferation of Langerhans' cells. Liver involvement results in a cholangiopathy, which has the radiologic appearance of sclerosing cholangitis. Only 1 case of obstructive jaundice due to common bile duct stone in a patient with LCH has been described. We present a case of a 31-month-old child with LCH and liver involvement on the waiting list for liver transplantation. During the follow-up, there was a rapid onset of jaundice due to sludge and lithiasis. The patient was treated first with an endoscopic biliary plastic stent and then with percutaneous biliary drainage and bilioenteric anastomosis.

[An unusual presentation of liver involvement in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia biliary disease]

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia is a relatively common, under-recognized autosomal dominant disorder characterized by angiodysplastic lesions that affect multiple organs, like liver. This is a case of a 76 years old woman with history of pain in the lower third of right hemithorax, presence of tiny telangiectases in fingers, lips and tongue, in addition to pain on palpation of right hypochondrium; the initial abdominal ultrasound assessment showed biliary intrahepatic dilation. Patient meets The Diagnostic Criteria of Curacao for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. The presence of liver arteriovenous malformations was confirmed by DOPPLER-ECHO and CT scan.